Cerebral Angioplasty
Cerebral angiography (studies of the arteries to the brain) are performed in our procedure suite using a small artery puncture in the leg artery under X-ray guidance. This is often used to diagnosis various conditions or to evaluate for possible treatment or follow-up on previous treatment.
Typical Experience
- The procedure will be performed in the interventional suite while you are receiving sedation and opiate analgesia (“twilight anesthesia”). Most patients will not receive general anesthesia (no tube for breathing and no ventilator). The procedure is done through a 1mm incision in the groin and usually involves little pain.
- After the procedure is over, you will be on bedrest for up to 6 hours. Most patients are discharged later the same day although this depends on your condition.
- Most patients are instructed to perform only light activity for about 2 days, although this may vary on your condition and artery treated.
- As with any major procedure, minor or major complications are possible. Above is simply a brief description of a typical experience, and a full explanation of the procedure and its risks will be provided when you visit your doctor before the procedure.
How to Prepare
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before procedure, except for sips of water with your usual medications.
- Bring your medications and anything you need to stay overnight even if you will most likely be discharged the same day.
- Please take your usual medications unless told otherwise. It is OK to take your Aspirin and Plavix medication.
- Report to Jonsson Admitting (first floor of Jonsson building at the Baylor University Medical Center) in the morning at the time given to you by our office.
- Plan to have somebody else drive you home.
- If you are allergic to X-ray dye (contrast material), please inform our office days in advance and make certain you obtain and take the prescribed pre-medications (Methylprednisolone [prescription] and Benadryl [OTC]).
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Resources
For more details about this procedure and its possible risks, please schedule an appointment with one of our physicians at 214-827-1600. You may also refer to the following discussions: